The New England Patriots are gearing up for another Super Bowl appearance, aiming to break the NFL record for the most Super Bowl victories. They clinched their spot in Super Bowl 60 by edging out the Denver Broncos 10-7 during a snowy AFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
It wasn’t exactly a thrilling contest, but the Patriots’ defense was solid enough to secure the win. Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham put on a good show in the first quarter, but as the weather took a turn for the worse, the Broncos struggled to maintain their offense. They had a shot to even things up in the fourth quarter, but Leonard Taylor blocked Will Lutz’s 45-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos’ defense managed to hold firm, but then Stidham threw an interception on the next drive, ensuring a trip to the Super Bowl for the Patriots.
Patriots Super Bowl History
When was the last time New England played in the Super Bowl?
This marks the Patriots’ return to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. They last reached the big game following the 2018 season, where they triumphed over the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl 53, securing their sixth championship.
However, this game felt quite different from their recent Super Bowl outings. With this appearance, the Patriots would end a streak of three Super Bowl appearances, having won two of those games. The previous Super Bowl encounters were high-scoring affairs, including a 34-28 win over the Falcons in Super Bowl 51 and a loss against the Eagles, 41-33, in Super Bowl 52.
In Super Bowl 53, the Patriots entered as two-point favorites, and the match-up featured two of the league’s top offenses, culminating in a combined score of 55. The Patriots ranked fourth in scoring, while the Rams were second. Yet, defenses proved pivotal. The Patriots restricted Jared Goff to 229 yards with just one interception, and the Rams managed only 62 rushing yards. On the offensive end, Tom Brady amassed 262 passing yards; Julian Edelman was a key player, grabbing 10 receptions for 141 yards and earning the MVP title. Sony Michel contributed with 94 rushing yards and scored the game’s lone touchdown.
How many times have the Patriots been to the Super Bowl?
This season marks the franchise’s 12th Super Bowl appearance. Their first was after the 1985 season, losing to the Bears. Eleven years later, they faced the Packers but fell short, with Desmond Howard’s kickoff return playing a significant role in that loss.
Five years later, they returned to the Super Bowl, winning against the Rams on an Adam Vinatieri field goal right as time expired. They went on to win consecutive championships against the Panthers and Eagles two years later. Despite setbacks against the Giants in 2008 and 2012, they claimed three titles within a five-year span thereafter.
As it stands, the Patriots carry a record of 6 wins and 5 losses in the Super Bowl, tying them with the Steelers for the most Lombardi trophies in NFL history.
